Science and Technology Association of Xinya Collegehas invited four teachers popular among students for discussions at the luncheons during the semester. Here aresome highlights!

REVIEW

The first luncheon with Mr. Deng Junhui as the guest on March 12

Mr. Deng is widely known among teachers and students across the university for his excellent way of teaching. He came to the hall on the first floor of North Building 10 and soon became the "host" naturally at the luncheon with an enthusiastic attitude and easy-going and witty bearing.

The students present were most concerned about issues such as the discipline of computer science, study, major selection, and prospects of majors. Mr. Deng answered the questions proposed by students with confusions patiently and put forward high requirements for them (especially those in his class).

They also talked about their views on artificial intelligence (AI). As a teacher at the Artificial Intelligence Institute of the Department of Computer Science and Technology, Mr. Deng pointed out from a professional perspective that despite its high popularity, AI now sees a slowed pace in theoretical development, which greatly broadened the students' vision.

When the topic shifted to the relationship between "aspiration" and "interest", Mr. Deng encouraged the students tofind the direction they were interested in and take both into consideration.

The second luncheon with Mr. Qing Feng as the guest on March 19

Weare familiar with Mr. Qing Feng and his course Architecture and Urban Culture. What about the wonderful moments at this luncheon?

The students present were interested in what he experienced when studying in the UK. Mr. Qing said that he majored in the History of Architecture back then, a discipline of liberal arts. He read and gained a lot. He said that theknowledge of humanities and social sciences was of great help to architectural design. For example, students who have had general education courses in Xinya College all perform well after entering the School of Architecture.

He also answered students' questions about the discipline. He pointed out that design-related knowledge was what students mainly learn at the School of Architecture,Tsinghua University. Considering thattechniques can be developed more effectively on the job, the School does not provide relevant courses.Instead, it offers 12 design practice programs, to train students' comprehensive abilities concerned. Mr. Qing suggested that if the freshmen at Xinya College plan to major in architecture, they shouldenjoydesignworks as much as possible. They may find it difficult to take the architectural design course with much pressure already from the general education courses. But enjoying design works takes little time, and this constitutes a solid foundation forfuture study.

Regarding architectural aesthetics, Mr. Qing held the view thatarchitecture developed against a certain context, and beauty itselfwas related to the objective environment instead of being theresult of individuals' subjective judgments alone. A building should be evaluated with regard to its era and environment. For example, we cannot resort to the same standard to evaluate both ancient and modern buildings.

The third luncheon with Ms. Wang Hong as the guest on May 11

At the luncheon, Ms. Wang Hong kindly communicated with students and shared her views on the development of software and hardware, life goals, etc., which greatly benefited those present.

Most of the students present major in CDIE, automation, or electronics.One of them enrollingin 2020 from the Department of Electronic Engineering talked about his yearning for quantum computers passionately and actively participated in the discussion on the digital circuit course.

Ms. Wang Hong illustrated the differences and connections between different directions of automation in a rigorous manner. She pointed out that hardware R&Dcould not pay off in the short term, but washighly irreplaceable, and substantiated her point with biochip as an example.

Ms. Wang also shared her reflections on the philosophy of life. She mentioned that"elite" did not mean "exquisiteness ", but responsibility, which won recognition from the students. She also encouraged the students to avoid comparing themselves with others.

She wore a kind yet aggressive smile like when she said at the class, "I don't want you to go smoothly in minor matters. Good things will happen in a tortuous way like an ant going through the maze." She talked more beyond knowledge and expertise.

At the luncheon, Ms. Wang Hong also asked thought-provoking questions. "Is the goal that close?" "If so, why do you come to Tsinghua University?" "What are you looking for?" "Do you pretend to live an exquisite life?" The students smiled and yet were stunned. It was perhaps the greatest value of this luncheon.

The fourth luncheon with Mr. Gan Yang as the guest on May 27

Mr. Gan likes to chat with students about problems encountered in life. He thought it was a burden for studentsto have too many courses during undergraduate studies, and it would be better,as in foreign countries, to provide many of them during the Ph.D. period. He encouraged students tomake up their own minds at the university. He once said at the opening ceremonies that parents shouldgive their children some space to grow independently. One would not be a grown-up if he/she still follows parents' instructions after graduating from the university. But respecting parents is important, and students should learn to communicate with them properly. Given the current situation and trend in the university, Mr. Gan asked students at Xinya College to be tolerant and modest when getting along with counterparts at other departments.They should not aim too high or be anxious.

Mr. Gan also stressedthat students should experience life andseethe outside world. He said at the luncheon that students shouldlearn to "give up" and free themselves from GPA. He also encouraged freshmen and sophomores at Xinya College to have fun during these two years. About future planning, Mr. Gan pointed out that"ignorance is bliss much of the time in life". He opposed putting all the top students with the best college entrance examination achievements in Tsinghua University and Peking University, saying it would be better if students fill the intention for university before taking the entrance exam. He also cared about the rise ofcommonmiddle schools, such as YulinHigh School, and hoped that the university students can help those from these schools one-on-one. These views were refreshing to all.

Mr. Gan can always put forward unique views for students whether he is at a luncheon or a large-scale activity within the college. We hope that future students in every grade at Xinya College will be inspired bysuchprofoundthoughts!

Copy-writing | Zhang Peiran

Review | Zhang Xiaoyu